We Care

Sabbatical FAQ’s

Who are the members of the sabbatical committee?

Marilyn Farrington, Russ Carter, Sheryl Stroud Bryant, Areeta Bridgemohan, Laurel Loch, Nick Cadwallender, Anne Beals, Hurley Bogardus, Ethel Hellman, and Joe Hensley.

What will Joe and John be doing on their sabbaticals?

Joe will begin and end the sabbatical with spiritual retreats at monasteries. He will also visit with family and friends that he does not get to see very often. The centerpiece of the sabbatical is a family trip to Hawaii where they will hike and camp, exploring God’s creation.

John’s sabbatical will include lots of rest time, a trip to Brazil with Mary to visit with their son and new granddaughter, a week or two working with Parsons organ builders for some hands on experience in organ construction and maintenance, and two composition projects: a new Brazilian Mass setting for the 9 am Eucharist, and composing a hymn tune to accompany a poem by Beth Spragins written for St. George’s 300th anniversary celebration.

Who will cover Joe and John’s responsibilities in their absence?

Areeta Bridgemohan, will serve as the clergy in charge of the church. Our priest associate, Bob Miller, will add hours to his schedule. Our young adult missioner, David Casey, will continue his work in the wider community and be available occasionally. Our assistant director of music ministries, Achim Loch, will oversee music ministries during John’s sabbatical. In addition, we are hiring Dr. Brooks Kuykendall, a fellow St. Georgian and head of the music department at UMW to play some Sundays as well as Dr. Kelly Kazik, our former assistant organist.

Who will cover the expenses of the sabbatical?

St. George’s puts aside funds each year into a sabbatical fund, which will pay for the additional compensation needed. Joe and John will receive their usual compensation during the sabbatical period. A grant from the Lilly Foundation will cover all Joe’s sabbatical activities. There should be no need to go into the general operating budget for any sabbatical expenses, and it should not impact the church budget.

Whom do I call for pastoral care?

During the sabbatical, you may contact either Areeta or Bob. Our pastoral care ministries, particularly One Body Response Team and Stephen Ministers will also be responding to needs as they arise. Contact the church office or the pastoral emergency phone (540-361-8573) if you have an urgent pastoral need. Clergy will be available to conduct baptisms or funerals as needed. If you need to plan a wedding, please be in touch with Areeta.

Will Joe or John be in contact with St. George’s during the sabbatical?

An important part of a sabbatical is to make a complete break from things. In the unlikely event that some extraordinary news absolutely must be communicated to them, Areeta or Laurel Loch, our parish administrator, will know how to contact them. They will look forward to catching up with everyone on their return. If you happen to see them around town, it’s only natural to wave and say “hello”. Please do help them maintain the spirit of their sabbaticals, though, by providing separation from their duties and parish life.

What if I have other questions?

Please contact a member of our Vestry or reach out to Areeta or Laurel. If they cannot answer your question immediately, they will communicate it with our sabbatical planning committee so it can be addressed.